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You can add games to an existing RetroPie setup with a USB flash drive, SFTP or SCP over your local network, or a network share. USB is the most straightforward offline option; SFTP/SCP suits a Pi you can reach over the network. In every case, put each game file in the folder for its system, then restart EmulationStation so newly populated systems appear.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | What you need | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB flash drive | A USB drive and a computer | An offline transfer or moving files without setting up network access | RetroPie creates folders on the drive; copy each file into its matching system folder under retropie/roms. [Raspberry Pi] |
| SFTP or SCP | A Pi reachable on your local network and working SSH access | Moving files from a computer without removing media from the Pi | Use an SFTP client for a graphical file browser or SCP from a command line. Use the account and connection details configured for your installation. [Raspberry Pi Magazine] |
| Network share | A computer and Pi on the same network, with share access available | Browsing files through your computer’s file manager | RetroPie systems may use network shares, but their names and availability depend on the installation; the sources cited here do not establish a universal share path. [Raspberry Pi Magazine] |
How do I add games to RetroPie with a USB drive?
This method uses a drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. RetroPie creates the folder structure after you connect a drive with a top-level folder named retropie. [Raspberry Pi]
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- Format the USB drive. On your computer, format it as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Create the RetroPie folder. At the top level of the drive, create a folder named
retropie. - Let RetroPie prepare the folders. Eject the drive safely, connect it to the Raspberry Pi running RetroPie, and give the system time to create its directories.
- Copy the game files. Eject the drive, reconnect it to your computer, then open
retropie/roms. Put each file in the folder for the system it belongs to. Folder names are system-specific, so choose the matching folder rather than placing files directly inroms. - Return the drive to the Pi. Eject it safely from the computer and connect it to the Pi. Wait for the transfer to finish before removing it; the Raspberry Pi tutorial suggests watching the Pi’s activity light.
- Refresh the game lists. In EmulationStation, select Start > Quit > Restart EmulationStation.
How do I transfer games over the network with SFTP or SCP?
Use this option when the Pi is on your local network and you have working SSH access. SFTP is usually the easier choice if you prefer dragging files in a graphical client; SCP transfers files from a command line. A Raspberry Pi Magazine guide describes both approaches. [Raspberry Pi Magazine]
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- Find the Pi’s current connection details. Use the hostname or IP address and account configured for your own RetroPie installation.
- Connect with an SFTP client or SCP. Authenticate using your installation’s SSH credentials. Older tutorial examples may show credentials that are not valid for your setup; do not assume a past default applies.
- Transfer files to the matching system directory. Copy each game file into the relevant system’s ROM folder, not a different system’s folder.
- Restart EmulationStation. On the Pi, use Start > Quit > Restart EmulationStation to refresh the system list.
Can I use a network share?
A network share can let you browse the Pi’s files from a computer’s file manager, provided both devices are on the same network and sharing is available in your installation. The available sources do not establish one share name or address that applies to every RetroPie setup, so check the documentation for your image or the configuration on your Pi rather than relying on a universal path. Once you have access, place files in the matching system ROM folder and restart EmulationStation.
#1 Best Overall
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit PRO - Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (8GB RAM)
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
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Use game files you are allowed to use
Transferring a game file does not grant permission to download or use it. The Raspberry Pi tutorial advises checking that the source does not provide pirated content and gives homebrew releases and official SEGA ROMs on Steam as examples of legitimate sources. [Raspberry Pi]
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CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 16GB Starter Kit PRO - Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (16GB RAM)
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
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- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
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Vilros Raspberry Pi 5-4GB Starter Kit - Turbo Cooled Edition - 32GB Memory (Aluminum Black)
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RasTech Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Kit 64GB Edition with Active Cooler,27W GaN 5.1V5A USB-C Power Supply,Pi5 8GB Board,64GB Card Readers Kit,Pi 5 Case,Dual 4K Micro HD Out Cables and User Manual
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- Pi5 8GB Board: The Pi5 board is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, which delivers a significant increase in graphics performance. Dual HD Out 4Kp60 display outputs and a built-in dual 4-channel MIPI camera/display transceiver provide state-of-the-art camera support. The Pi 5 offers a 2-3 times increase in CPU performance compare to Pi4.
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CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit (4GB RAM)
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
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